Abstract

Cellophane and polyethylene packaging in conjunction with precooling, a modified atmosphere and an ethylene absorber were tested in order to obtain a more extended postharvest life of strawberry Chandler and Douglas cultivars. Treatment had a significant influence on all the physical and chemical characteristics investigated. Low density polyethylene bags with or without a CO2 atmosphere resulted in the lowest weight losses, conductivity and degree of fruit decay, together with the highest firmness values. The use of an ethylene absorber constituted an additional cost without a proven benefit.